About Us

The Company
One Foot Abroad specialise in walking and adventure holidays. Our staff has extensive walking and trekking experience in Europe and across the world. When we come back from these trips, we come back with treasured memories and yearn to go again. With this in mind, we wanted to make such special holidays available to people in Ireland.

We offer authentic holidays ” different to the usual beach or resort breaks ” providing our customers with a genuine chance to feel closer to nature, friends and family.

Our view is that a walking holiday is not only about walking; you can take the time to explore the essence of a region, the flavours and aromas of traditional food, discover more about yourself, spend time with your family, bond with your friends, broaden your cultural awareness and get out in the fresh air.

We offer you unique and authentic holidays, taking all the hassle out of planning, researching and booking your accommodation, transfers, luggage transport and much more. And of course, all walking levels are catered for so everybody can find their own challenge and the right fit through our walking grades. Why not take a look at your virtual holiday, where a picture can say as much as thousand words.

Our team knows each holiday intimately, each corner of each route, each hotel on the way. This is why we can customise so many of our walking holidays to your requirements and needs. On the ground, safety always comes first, along with respect towards local people and customs, valuing relationships with these people and conducting holidays in harmony with traditions and nature. This is part of our ethic (see below), and we pride ourselves on this.

Fabien is French. He was born in Brianon (1,326m) in the Alps, the highest town in Europe. While he was living there, he acquired first-class ski and mountaineering skills. Well, let’s just say that he knows the Alps inside out! And, of course, he thinks that his native town is the most beautiful one. Let’s hear what he has to say.

“Apart from the fact that I love Brianon, I’ve been amazed by Ireland’s walks. I’m having a good time walking in Ireland, and now I want to take Irish people abroad, and share this passion with them. The “One Foot Abroad” range of walks and destinations are a testimony to the natural beauty of the world. Enough said, start packing!” Fabien, 2006

Fabien was a ski instructor for two years before walking across Europe, taking in the Alps, of course; Mont Blanc, Ecrins, Mercantour, Queyras, Ubaye and Vanoise. Fabien completed some long term treks in the Alps and continued his travels in Corsica, Provence, Italy (Mont Viso, Mont Rose, Argentera), Spain and the Tatras in Poland. Walking, skiing and kayaking are his three outdoor hobbies.

In Ireland, he has climbed many summits in Kerry (Carrantuohill, Brandon, etc), in the Mourne Mountains and in the Wicklow Mountains, where he likes to wander in his free time. It was on one of these hills that he first thought of taking people to his own mountains and to elsewhere in Europe, with the help of the team’s specific knowledge and experience. Outside Europe, Fabien has crossed the High Atlas in Morocco, climbed Kilimanjaro (5,985m), Chachani (6,088m) and Ausangate in Peru. Fabien is passionate ” once he begins speaking about a trip in his French accent, it’s like you’re already there.

——————-

Unlike his fellow One Foot Abroad members, Umberto is not only about the adventure and the passion. He’s also about crafting the trips. For this reason, he likes when a trip is well designed, ideally located and when it specifically caters to travellers.

“I like what One Foot Abroad does, in terms of products and objectives. The package is well thought through. Selling a trip sounds like a job. Selling a One Foot Abroad adventure feels like an adventure.” Umberto, 2006

Umberto worked for two years as an event manager organising major sporting events around the world. He has also worked in the travel business, in a major airline. He’s a keen sports man and an enthusiastic rugby player himself. His walking experience, though smaller than his fellow team members, is growing at an increasing pace. He’s walked in Ireland extensively and in Asia (Thailand, Japan) and Spain. Umberto is the grounding force in One Foot Abroad, paying attention to all the details, and making sure that each trip is a success from beginning to end.

———————————-

And of course, let’s not forget all the team in Ireland and on the ground, who work hard to make your adventure run smoothly.

Our Ethic

Our ethic applies to all our One Foot Abroad trips. We hope you share these simple but strong values with us. Our Spirit and our Commitments both illustrate what our ethic is all about.

Our Spirit
Our Spirit in 6 words:

  • Discovery: Take the time to discover a region, be curious and open-minded towards other cultures.
  • Nature: Wander through unspoilt landscapes and wild terrains.
  • Respect: Respect the local population and the environment.
  • Pleasure: Leave your daily routine behind and find yourself.
  • Safety: Detailed walking notes on Self-Guided walking holidays. Certified guides on all our Guided walking holidays.
  • Authenticity: Eat the best regional food, rest in traditional accommodation, feel the wind, taste the air, smell the aroma of adventure.

These six words are not just abstract concepts, this is what you’ll find when taking a trip with us; a journey that is as important as the destination. All our holidays have been designed to the highest standards, you will experience the pleasure of exploring the most authentic landscapes, in safety and with respect for the environment.

Our Commitments
  • Our step to Quality

We are on a permanent quest, with the help of our capable ground staff, for the best itinerary, the most beautiful viewpoint and the richest experience of nature. Our holidays are organised by professionals and experienced certified guides. With our walking holidays, the level of difficulty and approximate timings are assessed on a real time basis, based on an average walker. Whatever hoilday you choose, your comfort is of the utmost importance to us; we carefully select the best accommodation, the most delicious meals and a plan to help you get the most from your holiday.

  • Our step to Fair Prices

When it comes to your holiday, our prices are adjusted to our quality criteria. We appreciate your business and we offer loyalty discounts for returning customers, as well as for those of you who plan your holidays early. Last but not least, our prices also represent equitable pay for our staff and the local people who work for us on the ground.

  • Our step to Customer Service

We are ready to hear from you by phone, fax or email and we will do our best to reply to your query within 48 hours. Using our website, you can find your adventure and book it when you like. Upon departing for a walking holiday, you’ll be given an emergency phone number that is accessible 24/7 to guarantee your safety and peace of mind.

Feel free to contact us if you are looking for more information or for options on customising your trip, extending your stay or to let us know about your dietary requirements. Our team can also advise you on administrative formalities (visas, trekking permits, etc). Please ask us to customise your adventure; we’re committed to this because you are unique.